It is a excellent move to retain one's maiden name. This is how it used to be before we started copying the western system. Traditionally women never take up their father's or husband's name. They are given a name and that is it. Similarly we have no system of last name. No first name, last name. We just have a name. Copying western ways results in ridiculous situations. For example a person whose name is M. Sriram or Mysore Sriram will end up having Mysore as last name, and people will call him Mr Mysore.
My maiden name was *Barbara Correya, the surname carried down for ages from my dad's side, a pride we children held so close to our hearts. The day came when I got married and the next moment after I signed for the last time in the three books: Government Registra office Jemmi buildings, Luz , Chennai, then at the Nikkah in the hosue of my in laws, a huge grounds where the guest were present etc No 4 srinivasa Iyengar Raod Alwarpet, and then In the Santhome Basilica -Chennai.It did break my heart, but I knew it was now time to declare to the whole, my new name, my new family that I would be a part off. Excited by the very thought, I began to sign my new family name on a few pages, the very next day, and I felt so happy and proud to have and to hold till date my husbands name together with mine: Barbara Thyab Ali.* His family surname is Sathar. I did not take the family surname, but instead I took only my husband's name with pride and respect:There is a great difference when one has to make that choice, it has to come from within your heart, to accept your husband's name to show the world you belong to him, and that he too , belongs to you. Any day the change of name is a blessing when in times of going together to attend big functions, invited as a couple to events and when you are to be addressed at major shows etc, it gives you much respect and acknowledgement. To me my change of name has always served me well around the world till date. Barbara Thyab Ali
